15 Shocking Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, saju1004.net since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common upvc window repairs near me repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.